Chapter 266: Chapter 266

“I know something about the incident with the Bestowal at the city square. A descendant of the Ashiash family appeared there and was cornered by Enchanters from Nolan’s five major churches.”

While Jenkins was lost in thought, Mr. Black Cat had already shared the secret information he had obtained.

As expected, the others, along with a belatedly informed Jenkins, let out a collective gasp. Of course, it was impossible to tell how many of them were genuinely surprised.

“Ashiash? That notorious family of demon summoners?”

Hathaway asked in a low voice. “Weren’t they wiped out long ago? I’ve only ever seen that name in ancient texts.”

“Rising from the ashes... It’s a common story for those damned fanatical organizations and families. I’ll never understand it. Why is it that the righteous often fall after a single grievous wound, while the wicked can be burned to dust and still make a comeback?”

Mr. Black Cat’s tone was filled with indignation.

“You sound like you’re quoting from a detective knight novel,” Mr. Hood gently reminded him from the side. “Things that happen around us aren’t like that. You yourself just said it—all mortals must die. No one can keep coming back forever.” He then tilted his head back, gazing up at the starry sky through the gnarled, bone-like branches.

“Mortals...” he sighed.

“I wonder if any of you have heard,” a new voice chimed in, “but the Nolan police morgue on the outskirts of the city has been plagued by incidents these past few weeks. The eyes of over a hundred corpses have been dug out, but the esteemed gentlemen of the force have yet to solve the case.”

It was Magic Miss, the follower of the Lady of Mysteries and Rituals, who stood right beside Jenkins. Throughout the previous conversation, her black hood had been turned toward Chocolate, who was perched on Jenkins’s shoulder.

The cat was the only creature in the vicinity not cloaked in shadow, making him a conspicuous target in the dead of night. If someone were to fire an arrow into their midst, Jenkins was certain it would be him, not the cat, who ended up with a shaft in his chest. He knew Chocolate would be quick enough to dodge.

“Why would anyone need those things? For a ritual?” Jenkins inquired. “I’ve heard that the Eye Collector’s Association has been active in the Nolan area recently.” For origınal chapters go to novel{f}ire.net

“The Eye Collector’s Association? The followers of the Void-Eyed Fiend?”

Her voice immediately sharpened. “I haven’t heard that. Are you certain about this information?”

The others turned to look at him as well. Only then did Jenkins realize that this illegal organization had not yet revealed itself. The single member they had managed to capture had only been arrested the day before.

“The person who gave me the tip is very reliable. I’m certain.”

He finally nodded. There was no reason to hide it.

Mr. Hood, however, pointed out that “Mr. Candle” had now provided a second piece of valuable information. While Jenkins didn’t mind, rules couldn’t be broken lightly, lest it lead to problems down the line. Thus, at his insistence, the group conferred and decided each member would give Jenkins a five-pound note as payment for the intelligence.

Finally, it was Hathaway’s turn. She coughed lightly, drawing the attention of the others, whose thoughts had begun to wander.

“Earlier last week, someone announced that a Bestowal would be auctioned off last night—that is, on Friday. I took a friend’s advice...”

Her voice wavered slightly, and Jenkins knew she was referring to him.

“I took his advice and didn’t attend rashly. But I did manage to uncover a few things. I imagine not many people know that the Church of Ocean and Exploration suddenly raided ‘Old John’s Bar’ in Pork Tail Alley last night. That was the confirmed auction site. The Church had received a tip that Pirate King Femishue would be there, but they came up empty. The dozens of Enchanters attending the auction all escaped because the host engaged the Orthodox Church in a direct confrontation, buying a significant amount of time.”

She paused for a moment, her gaze landing on Jenkins. “The Bestowal being auctioned was never brought out before the Pilots arrived. However, an Enchanter with a special ability believes the item was a magic eye.”

“Why are you looking at me? I don’t know anything about it,” he, or rather, Mr. Candle, said, shaking his head innocently. “I truly haven’t heard about this. I’m not some information broker. If any of you have friends who serve in the Church of Ocean and Exploration, you could try asking them. But most illegal Enchanters avoid the Orthodox Churches at all costs. For that person to dare fight back, they’re likely on the wanted list.”

“I think so too. Mr. Candle makes a good point. That person is very likely a member of the Eye Collector’s Association. As for why they held an auction... could they have been trying to find someone in the area?”

Mr. White Cat offered his opinion. Of the six people present, he was the only one leaning against a tree. Seeing that no one else had anything to add, he continued:

“But has that Pirate King really not left Nolan yet? It’s been nearly a month since we last ran into him...”

Again, no one could answer his question, for no one could fathom the thoughts of a madman.

Next came the free trade portion of the gathering. Right away, Mr. Hood pulled Jenkins to the side.

“That’s no ordinary pet, is it?” he asked, getting straight to the point. He was, of course, referring to the cat who was yawning comfortably on Jenkins’s shoulder.

“I would never sell Vanilla to you,” Jenkins retorted, taking a guarded step back. He placed a hand on his shoulder, pressing down gently on his cat’s head.

Vanilla played along perfectly, letting out a threatening “Mrowr.”

“No, no, Mr. Candle, I have no intention of buying your pet. I was just wondering, is your cat naturally this intelligent, or did he consume some kind of special potion?”

“He’s a natural. I found him on a rainy night. It took me a long time to earn his trust,” Jenkins replied, his eyes still laced with suspicion.

“What a shame. I’ve always wanted an animal companion with special abilities, like an owl or something.”

Mr. Hood sounded genuinely disappointed. Seeing Jenkins still poised as if ready for a fight, he simply shrugged and didn’t press the matter further.

Jenkins had also come with a purpose today. Besides trading a few materials with the others, he had a particular question for Magic Miss.

The two of them stepped away from the main group to talk.

“I seem to recall, the last time we met ‘under the tree,’ you mentioned that you could restore any ritual?”